God I hope theres someone still here looking on this thread....
Ok so I've read all that.
Have a 2008 2.5i (174bhp) N52 engine.
Seems like the 2.5i version has been forgotten about.
Would that AFE air intake work with my car?
I have pictures, if it helps. And when i figure out how to post...
Not quite essex, but if you're willing to drive to Bexley (just by dartford) you can find BM Sport, which looked after my Z4 well.
It's an BMW specialist garage, and I would recommend it to anyone.